Cheltenham Gold Cup: Long to Run without earplugs

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 03 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Long Run may run without earplugs in the Gold Cup.

"We've probably decided to take them out now because he is very relaxed and possibly a little bit over (relaxed)..."

Long Run is likely to be without earplugs when he bids to defend his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown in March...

Trainer Nicky Henderson revealed his team have worked hard getting the top-class chaser to relax, but that they may have overdone it.

Having twice suffered defeat at the hands of Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase this season, connections of Long Run, rated 182 by Timeform, are considering changing one or two things in the hope of reversing the form in National Hunt racing's blue riband event.

"We have spent a lot of time settling him down and have always run him in earplugs," said Henderson.

"That helps him through the preliminaries and everything else, but we've probably decided to take them out now because he is very relaxed and possibly a little bit over (relaxed).

"We will be changing a few things but I don't think we will be taking Kauto Star on up front.

"We are hoping that the extra distance at Cheltenham and the hill are what are going to save us."

Henderson confirmed that Long Run could have a prep run for Cheltenham in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury next month.

"I think the Denman Chase is a possibility. It would do him good to have another run," the Seven Barrows handler told At The Races.

"He's come back from the King George in great form and one's assuming Kauto is not going to go there.

"I wouldn't want another battle with him on the way - two is enough so far.

"I'd be inclined all being well to go there. It might be a bit ground dependent.

"If all's well in a fortnight's time, there's every chance he'd go there."

Long Run is currently available at [3.6] for the Cheltenham showpiece, with main rival Kauto Star presently trading at [5.1].